White Bean Soup with Bacon

This White Bean Soup with Bacon is a delightful combination of smoky flavors and creamy textures, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners or quick weeknight meals. It’s rich in nutrients and bursting with hearty ingredients, perfect for warming you up on chilly evenings. With its savory seasonings and satisfaction in every bowl, this soup will surely become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
• Rich Flavor: The addition of crispy bacon and aromatic herbs elevates the soup to new heights.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite greens or spices to make it your own.
• Hearty and Filling: This soup makes for a satisfying meal that can stand alone or be served with crusty bread.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious white bean soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure your soup comes out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Slotted spoon
• Blender
• Measuring spoons
• Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, allowing the ingredients to cook perfectly together.
• Blender: Essential for creating that creamy texture by pureeing part of the beans.
• Slotted spoon: Helps in removing cooked bacon while keeping the fat behind for flavoring.

Ingredients

This hearty white bean soup is packed with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and creamy blended beans for a rich, comforting bowl. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it blends savory seasonings with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying, cozy soup.

Main Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon (or 4 thick-cut), chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Broth and Beans

• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cans white kidney beans (19 oz / 540 ml each)

Creaminess Factor

• ¾ cup half-and-half
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Optional Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley or spinach

How to Make White Bean Soup with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring frequently until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the onion softens and begins to brown. If there is excess bacon fat, carefully dab out some with a paper towel.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the garlic along with salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Step 4: Deglaze with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Prepare the Beans

Rinse the beans thoroughly. In a blender, puree about ¾ cup of these beans with half-and-half until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add both whole beans and bean puree along with cooked bacon back into the pot. Bring to a simmer then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Stir in Parmesan cheese along with optional parsley or spinach. Taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Optional Thickening

For those who prefer a thicker texture in their soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cream or water. Stir this mixture into your simmering soup until combined well.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your comforting bowl of white bean soup!

How to Serve White Bean Soup with Bacon

This hearty white bean soup with bacon is a delightful meal that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pairing this soup with warm, crusty bread creates a satisfying combination. The bread can be used to soak up the rich broth.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing your soup with fresh parsley or spinach adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can add a luxurious touch and deepen the savory notes of the soup.

With a Side Salad

• A crisp side salad complements the creamy texture of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for balance.

Served in a Bread Bowl

• For a fun and interactive dining experience, serve your white bean soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This keeps the soup warm and adds delicious flavor.

Paired with Cheese

• Adding shredded cheese on top not only enhances the taste but also provides an added layer of creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the bacon.

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How to Perfect White Bean Soup with Bacon

To ensure your white bean soup is always at its best, follow these essential tips for perfection in every bowl.

• Use quality ingredients: Choosing fresh vegetables and good-quality bacon will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup as it simmers and adjust salt and spices according to your preference for optimal flavor.
• Blend beans thoroughly: Ensure you blend the beans until completely smooth for that creamy texture that makes this dish comforting.
• Simmer longer for deeper flavors: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can develop richer flavors—just keep an eye on the vegetable tenderness.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld and improve overnight.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to try different herbs or spices like rosemary or cumin for unique variations on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for White Bean Soup with Bacon

Serving side dishes alongside your white bean soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and brussels sprouts add color and nutrients.
3. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers a nice crunch and complements the richness of the soup.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with grains or meat, making them hearty companions to your meal.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances out savory flavors beautifully while providing additional texture.
6. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad brings protein and fiber, making it a healthy addition.
7. Fruit Plate: A light fruit plate serves as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich soup.
8. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses that pair well with both the soup’s flavor and any bread sides you choose.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making white bean soup with bacon, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

• Using low-quality bacon: Opt for high-quality, thick-cut bacon for a richer flavor. Cheap bacon can make the soup taste greasy instead of savory.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Always deglaze the pot after cooking the vegetables. This helps incorporate those delicious, flavorful bits into your soup.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. You may need to add extra salt or spices based on your personal preference.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Aim for tender vegetables that still retain some texture. Overcooked veggies can turn mushy and lose their vibrant color.
• Ignoring storage tips: Store leftovers in airtight containers to preserve freshness. Failing to do so can lead to soggy or spoiled soup.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store white bean soup with bacon in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing White Bean Soup with Bacon

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Bean Soup with Bacon

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe pan for about 25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot, usually about 2-4 minutes.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring often until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does white bean soup with bacon last?

This delicious soup can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Can I freeze white bean soup with bacon?

Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

You can use heavy cream or a mixture of milk and butter as a substitute if you prefer a lighter version.

How can I customize my white bean soup with bacon?

Feel free to add different vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition or swap out seasonings for new flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! White bean soup with bacon is perfect for meal prep and reheats well, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

White bean soup with bacon is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your taste. Try this comforting recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness!